Obituary of William Platt

PLATT, WILLIAM (Bill) R- of London, and formerly Rodney, passed away peacefully and suddenly on Tuesday August 31, 2010 at home in his 77th year. Beloved husband of Betty Ann Platt (nee Dawdy). Loving father of Darlene Claudette Murphy, son-in-law John M. Murphy and grandsons Jason William Murphy and Kevin Andrew Murphy. Predeceased by his parents Harold and Ila Platt (nee Koyle). Friends may call at the Rodney Chapel on Saturday, September 18th, 2010 from 1 to 3 pm. Funeral service will follow at 3pm. Pastor S. Patterson officiating. Interment Rodney Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Padfield Funeral Homes (519 785-0810). William R. Platt grew up in Rodney, Ontario. During his childhood, he spent a lot of time with his grandma Koyle, who resided in Ridgetown, Ontario. He spent a lot of time with his uncle Don, five years older than he was. My father, and his uncle loved watermelon, and they would bet each other on who could spit the seeds the farthest after they were done with the melons. I could never get the straight answer out of him who actually won the contest. They both loved ice cream very much and would challenge each other on who would finish the gallon first. Something that held very much meaning and good memories from his time at home. As a young man, Bill worked hard at the basket factory located in Rodney. It closed and he took his skills to Agnew/Surpass in St. Thomas, Ontario. He worked as a clerk and developed close friendships with a lot of customers in the area. He eventually moved to London, where he won a job with Jack Siegel shoes and continued a long and distinguished career with numerous contacts he developed over the time spent with his counterparts. Eventually, he found employment with the London Curling Club in London, Ontario. He ended doing ice making duties and maintenance detail. He enjoyed the people and the atmosphere. His main passion was curling. He moved on from there and secured a job with the Ivanhoe Curling Club, at the time, and maintained his previous status at the London Curling Club. Later on, he enjoyed lawn bowling. He would take time out of his schedule to help maintain the grounds at Fairmont Lawn Bowling Club on Dundas St. East in London, Ontario. There he developed his love for lawn bowling and helped out as much as he could, maintaining the lawns, watering and doing anything to make things easier for the patrons that took part in the everyday festivities during the season. Bill loved animals. He would be the first to take in strays and help the unfortunate. He had a cat, Ringo whom he adored, and took time out to make sure that they were never done without, and that included Christmas and holidays. He never forgot about those who could not speak. I (Darlene) was only a child, and ended up the apple of my father's eye. I received special treatment and got everything I ever wanted, just by blinking my eyes or asking for something. He taught me how to dance at the age of five years. I would stand on my dad's feet and move around the living room to the sounds of the Big Bands. He loved music. His appreciation of music was unfounded. He loved Tina Turner and Johnny Cash. He always was proud of the time when he was in Detroit to see Tina. It was one of the most exciting and lasting memories he had in his life. He was very light on his feet. He had lessons at Arthur Murray Dance Studios. He developed an instant attraction to the very idea of ballroom dancing, and loved it very much. His talents were overwhelming. Finally, Bill was a devoted husband and father for more than fifty years. He has been the man that everyone thought he could be, but the last four years have been taking a toll on his life and future. He was committed to seeing that his wife, Betty was well taken care of and made sure that all was secure and stable to the best of his ability. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU IN HIS ARMS AND KEEP YOU SAFE AND SECURE!!!!!